Joseph David Smith (J.D.) passed away July 1, 2018. He was born in Lexington, KY on June 30, 1939 to Aaron M. and Columbia Smith. J.D. was preceded in death by two brothers, Aaron A. and Fred Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elsie Cochran Smith. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Sarah Smith of Beaufort, SC; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Wade Padgett of Woodlawn and Sue and James Faddis of Galax. In addition, he is survived by three nephews: Jeffrey Padgett of Fairlawn, Va., Terry Smith of Lexington, Ky. and Bill Smith of Idaho Falls, Id. Two great-nephews, Mac Padgett and Nathan Smith and four great-nieces, Lindsay Smith, Erin Smith, Madison Padgett, and Emma Padgett also survive.

J.D. was a graduate of Milligan College. For 29 years he served as music and associate minister of Mt. Carmel Christian Church in Stone Mountain, Ga. He served for 10 years as music and associate minister of Peachcrest Christian Church in Loganville, Ga.

In 2002, he and Elsie moved to Galax. He was a member of Dalton Hill Christian Church where he served as elder, worship leader, Bible school teacher, treasurer, and supply minister.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 7 at Dalton Hill Christian Church, Hillsville at 1:00 PM with Pastor Mike Jones officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM till service time. In lieu of flowers, donations in J.D.'s memory may be made to Dalton Hill Christian Church P.O. Box 790, Hillsville, VA 24343. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.